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I have always loved Roald Dahl’s books, and, even though perhaps not the target audience for this performance of George’s Marvellous Medicine by the Birmingham Stage company, was looking forward to seeing how the play would be performed. I was especially interested in seeing how they would pull of some of the special effects needed to transform the story from the pages of Dahl’s book to the stage.

Though not entirely faithful to the book, the play was performed with great energy by the cast. Not least the role of the Giant Chicken, who was cheered by the mostly young audience with every appearance.

Grandma, though demanding, didn’t seem as nasty as I recall from the book. However George still set out to administer his “medicine” to her. The effects of which made Grandma grow as tall as a house and then shrink until she was no more.

The children in the audience loved every minute, and the play encouraged lots of audience participation. A Bristol Hippodrome full of children helped George concoct his medicine and heat the pot by rubbing their hands together.

Throughout the performance the young audience were cheering and laughing at the antics of Giant Chickens, Grandma, George and his family. This is a show that really knows how to keep the little ones entertained.

Although a little slow to get going, George’s Marvellous Medicine delivered in the end and my children, along with the rest of the audience, left feeling very happy indeed.

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